Method and apparatus for controlling digital recording and associated user interfaces

ABSTRACT

A method for controlling recording in a digital recording apparatus enables users to create improved video recordings and also conserves memory space of the recording apparatus. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method includes steps of detecting a first user input during recording representing a command to stop recording, enabling display of a first predetermined message responsive to the first user input, receiving a second user input representing a response to the first predetermined message, and controlling the digital video recording apparatus to generate a single program recording and a single program listing for the single program recording in response to the second user input.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus forperforming digital recordings, and more particularly, to a digitalrecording apparatus and a method for controlling a digital recordingapparatus that enables users to create improved video recordings andalso conserves memory space of the apparatus.

2. Background Information

Personal video recorders (PVRs) are digital recording apparatuses thatprovide various features such as allowing a user to select forrecording, by means of a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on anassociated television set, monitor, or other display device, atelevision program to be broadcast at a future time or which iscurrently being broadcast. Such apparatuses digitally record theselected program onto a storage module, such as a hard disk, and uponuser command playback the stored program by retrieving it from storage,decompressing or decoding the program and outputting the video signal toan associated television set, monitor, or other display device.Apparatuses having such capabilities are currently sold under tradenames such as “TiVo,” “RePlayTV,” “Sky+,” and “Showstopper.”

Such devices offer features and advantages in controlling the recordingand playback of programs that were previously not available to theconsumer via analog recording devices. The features include the abilityto pause a live program on the screen while continuing to record theprogram onto a storage device such that the user can continue playbackof the program at their convenience without missing any portion of thecurrently broadcast program, and also simultaneously recording andplaying back, either the same program or different programs, therebyproviding great flexibility in recording and playing back the receivedvideo signals. Since the programs are digitally stored and processed,the devices also allow the user to have greater control of the playback,for example, instantly skipping ahead by the predetermined amount oftime. Such devices also generally are designed to work with a programguide that allows the user to easily see, in a grid format, programschedules, and to select a particular program for recording. The devicesmay also include input terminals for connecting playback devices, suchas a camcorder, to the PVR to digitally record the contents of thedevices onto the PVR for later playback.

However, with current digital recording apparatuses, if a user presses a“STOP” key during a recording operation, the recording operation isstopped and the recorded video content is stored as a single recording.Thereafter, if the user presses a “RECORD” key to resume recording, anew recording will be created, but it will be considered unrelated tothe previous recording. That Is, the new recording will be created as anindependent recording that is separate and distinct from the previousrecording (e.g., having a different name or title). For example, if theuser stops the recording during the middle of a selected program that Ischosen from a program guide, and then restarts the recording at somelater time in the program, for example after a commercial break, therecordings may be listed by the PVR as two separate programs, eventhough they are of the same program. This may also be problematic incases where the user wants to create a single recording based on arecording stored on a separate device, for example a camcorder, byediting out unwanted portions of the recording. Therefore, thisfunctionality may be disadvantageous since it prevents users fromcreating a single continuous recording.

Also with current digital recording apparatuses, if a user presses a“PAUSE” key during a recording operation, the recording continues and atime-shifting function is performed during playback. That is, duringplayback the recording apparatus shifts in time over the video contentthat occurs after depression of the “PAUSE” key, but it still recordsthis video content. Accordingly, this functionality may also bedisadvantageous since it fails to remove the unwanted portions of theprograms and fails to conserve memory space. In particular, the usermust perform an editing process after the entire recording has beensaved to memory in order to eliminate any unwanted video content. As aresult, the recording apparatus must utilize valuable memory space untilany unwanted video content is erased through editing.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method for controlling a digitalrecording apparatus that avoids the aforementioned problems, and therebyenables users to create improved video recordings and also conservesmemory space of the recording apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method forcontrolling recording in a digital video recording apparatus isdisclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the method comprisessteps of detecting a first user input during recording representing acommand to stop recording, enabling display of a first predeterminedmessage responsive to the first user input, receiving a second userinput representing a response to the first predetermined message, andcontrolling the digital video recording apparatus responsive to thesecond user input.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a digitalrecording apparatus is disclosed. According to an exemplary embodiment,the apparatus comprises memory means for storing digital video dataduring recording. Processing means detects a first user input duringrecording, wherein the first user input represents a command to stoprecording. Image generating means enables display of a firstpredetermined message responsive to the first user input. Processingmeans also receives a second user input representing a response to thefirst predetermined message, and controls the digital video recordingapparatus responsive to the second user input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary digital recording apparatus forimplementing the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for implementing themethod according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary screen message for implementing the methodaccording to the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is another exemplary screen message for Implementing the methodaccording to the present invention.

The exemplifications set out herein illustrate preferred embodiments ofthe invention, and such exemplifications are not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, anenvironment 100 suitable for implementing the present invention isshown. As shown in FIG. 1, environment 100 comprises a digital recordingdevice 20, which includes various elements for receiving and processingprogram signals and generating audio and video signals suitable fordisplay. Digital recording device 20 is coupled to a broadcast source 10for receiving program signals, a remote control device 30 for receivinguser input signals, and a display device 40 for providing a programdisplay. Display device 40 may be included with the elements of digitalrecording device 20 as an integrated package. Also shown in FIG. 1,digital recording apparatus 20 comprises a tuner control block 21, areceiver 22, a GUI generator 23, a central processing unit (CPU) 24, avideo processor 25, and a hard disk memory 26. As will be intuitive tothose skilled in the art, many of the foregoing elements of apparatus 20may be embodied using integrated circuits (ICs).

In FIG. 1, broadcast source 10 is operative to provide data includingvideo signals to digital recording apparatus 20 for recording. Broadcastsource 10 may for example provide data to apparatus 10 via aterrestrial, satellite, cable, Internet, or other type of wired orwireless communication link. Broadcast source 10 may also represent alive or recorded broadcast source provided through a device connected todigital recording apparatus 20 such as one provided from a camcorder,DVD player or other similar device.

Digital recording apparatus 20 is operative to digitally record dataprovided from broadcast source 10, and may be embodied as a PVR or otherdigital video recording device, such as a digital versatile disk (DVD)recording device. According to an exemplary embodiment, tuner controlblock 21 is operative to receive data from broadcast source 10 andperform a tuning function to generate tuned signals. Receiver 22 isoperative to receive and process the tuned signals provided from tunercontrol block 21 to thereby generate corresponding IF and basebandsignals. GUI generator 23 is operative to generate GUI displays (e.g.,bitmap images) corresponding to different operating modes of apparatus20. GUI displays are generated and displayed on display device 40 to,for example, provide status information regarding the operation ofapparatus 20, or menus for allowing the user to make various selectionsto control the operation of apparatus 20. As will be discussed laterherein, a user may provide inputs to apparatus 20 responsive to such GUIdisplays to control the operation of apparatus 20.

CPU 24 is operative to perform the overall control of the variouscomponents of apparatus 20. According to an exemplary embodiment, CPU 24generates various control signals, which control the operation of theother elements of apparatus 20 to provide the known digital recordingfeatures, such as pausing a portion of the received video on the displaydevice 40 while continuing to record the incoming video on hard drivememory 26 for future playback. Video processor 25 is operative toperform various video processing functions of apparatus 20, such asdecompressing, decoding, encoding, etc, to generate video signalssuitable for display on device 40. According to an exemplary embodiment,video processor 25 processes and formats video signals provided fromreceiver 22, as well as video data retrieved from hard disk memory 26 toenable corresponding visual displays on display device 40, for examplein the NTSC or PAL format. Video processor 25 may also combine suchvideo images with GUI displays generated by GUI generator 23. Thecombination may be implemented with a switching device (not shown) thatswitches between the video signal and the GUI signal to overlay the GUIdisplay onto the program display. Hard disk memory 26 is operative tostore digital video data under the control of CPU 24. A table or listingof programs stored on the hard disk may be stored on the hard disk underthe control of CPU 24. The programs and the listing of programs may bestored on the hard disk using conventionally known methods, includingusing contiguous or non-contiguous blocks of data that are identifiedusing a file allocation table. The listing may also be stored on amemory device separate from the hard disk. Although memory 26 is shownin FIG. 1 as a hard disk memory for purposes of example, it may also beembodied in another form that is capable of storing large amounts ofdigital video data, such as one or more optical disks, flash memory,removable hard disk, solid state memory or the like.

Remote control device 30 is operative to provide user control inputs todigital recording apparatus 20, and may for example be embodied as ahand-held remote control, keyboard, or other input device such as aninput terminal integral with apparatus 20. Remote control device 30 maybe coupled to a receiver (not shown) contained in recording apparatus 20via a wired or wireless medium, for example RF or IR signaling.According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may use remote controldevice 30 to transmit commands to control the various operating modes ofapparatus 20, such as to select a television program to be recorded froman electronic program guide (“EPG”) displayed on display device 40, andto respond to a screen message displayed on display device 40. Althoughnot expressly indicated in FIG. 1, CPU 24 is operative to receive andprocess user inputs provided to apparatus 20 via remote control device30. Display device 40 is operative to visually display images responsiveto the video output signals provided from video processor 25, and mayfor example be embodied as a television screen, monitor, or otherdisplay device.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a flowchart 200 illustrating exemplary steps forimplementing a method according to the present invention is shown. Forpurposes of example and explanation, the steps of FIG. 2 will bedescribed with reference to digital recording apparatus 20 of FIG. 1.Accordingly, the steps of FIG. 2 are merely exemplary, and are notintended to limit the present invention in any manner.

At step 201, a recording function of apparatus 20 is activated.According to an exemplary embodiment, the recording function isactivated In response to a user input to apparatus 20 via remote controldevice 30. This user input may for example be provided via an EPGdisplayed on display device 40. CPU 24 detects the user input andactivates the recording function by generating a control signal, whichenables incoming video signals to be processed, for example, by encodingin an MPEG-2 format, and stored in hard disk memory 26. The incomingvideo signals may also be displayed at the same time they are beingstored on hard disk memory 26.

At step 202, a user input to apparatus 20 is detected while therecording function of apparatus 20 is activated. Next, at step 203, adetermination is made as to whether the user input at step 202represents a command to STOP the recording function. According to anexemplary embodiment, CPU 24 is programmed to detect the actuation of a“STOP” key on remote control device 30 by a user while the recordingfunction is occurring and perform the steps described below.Accordingly, at step 203, CPU 24 determines whether the “STOP” key ofremote control device 30 was pressed at step 202.

If the determination at step 203 is negative, process flow advances tostep 204 where the algorithm is exited. Alternatively, if thedetermination at step 203 is positive, process flow advances to step 205where the user is provided with a predetermined screen message viadisplay device 40. According to an exemplary embodiment, CPU 24 outputsa control signal, which causes GUI generator 23 to generate thepredetermined screen message and output the same to video processor 25for ultimate display via display device 40. An example of thepredetermined screen message provided at step 205 is shown in FIG. 3.

As indicated in FIG. 3, exemplary screen message 300 provides the userwith various options regarding how apparatus 20 should proceed inresponse to the command to STOP the recording function (i.e. depressionof the “STOP” key). According to an exemplary embodiment, the user isprovided with three different such options, as represented by exemplaryscreen message 300. As indicated in FIG. 3, option (1) allows the userto cancel the STOP command and continue with the recording function,option (2) allows the user to temporarily STOP the recording function,and option (3) allows the user to completely STOP the recordingfunction. Further details regarding each of these options are providedbelow.

After the predetermined screen message 300 is displayed at step 205,process flow advances to step 206 where the user may select from amongthe options presented in the screen message. According to an exemplaryembodiment, the user makes this selection at step 206 via an input toremote control device 30. For example, the user may press directionalarrow keys on remote control device 30 to selectively move a highlightedcursor over a desired option from the screen message, and then press an“ENTER” key in order to select the highlighted option, or by pressing anumber key that corresponds to the desired option. Other selectiontechniques, known to those skilled in the art, such the use of a touchscreen, may also be used at step 206.

At step 207, it is determined whether the user has selected to STOP therecording. If it is determined that the user does not wish to STOPrecording, as determined by user selection of option 1 of message 300,apparatus 20 continues recording and stores the recording on the harddisk 26 without interruption. The recording without interruption ispossible since apparatus 20 continues recording the program to the harddisk even though the STOP command has been received, until the STOPcommand has been confirmed through message 300. At the end of therecording, apparatus 20 generates a single listing and listinginformation for the recorded program in step 209. Apparatus 20 mayprovide a listing of the programs stored on the hard disk memory 26 in alisting screen in response to user input.

If the user wishes to stop the recording, it is determined whether theuser wishes to stop the recording on a temporary basis or permanently instep 212 in view of the selection from message 300. If the user wishesto stop the recording permanently, as indicated by the selection ofoption 2 in message 300, apparatus 20 stops recording in step 213.Apparatus 20 then generates program listing information for the recordedprogram in step 214. Apparatus 20 provides a listing of the storedprograms in a listing screen in response to user input.

If the user wishes to stop the recording on a temporary basis asdetermined in step 212, by the selection of option 3 of message 300,apparatus stops recording the program and awaits further inputs from theuser in step 216. Apparatus 20 may provide a message, such as that shownin FIG. 4, to remind the user to press a designated key, such as“RECORD” to restart the recording function. Message 400 may be shown ona portion of the screen or as a transparent overlay on the video toallow the user to continue to view the Incoming programming and bereminded to restart the recording at the desired point.

If the Input from the user is to restart the recording, as determined bystep 217, apparatus begins recording the received program signals andappends the recorded program signals to the previously recorded programsignals at the point at which the recording was previously stopped, instep 218. Therefore, the program continues to be recorded as a singleprogram even though the STOP command had previously been received. Therecording continues until the end of the program, or until the userspecifies that the recording is to be completely stopped. When therecording is complete, apparatus 20 generates program listinginformation which is displayed in the listing screen in response to userinput. The steps of stopping the recording, determining whether the userwishes to completely stop the recording or temporarily stop therecording, and generating a single recording as required is repeatedeach time the STOP recording command is received. As long as the userdoes not specify that the recording is to completely stopped, therecording is stored as a single program, and listed as such on thelisting screen. Therefore, it can be seen that the user can convenientlyrecord a program and delete unwanted portion of the program as theprogram is being received and recorded. It can be seen that this featureis useful in recording systems that utilize a program guide, wherein theuser selects a program to be recorded using the program guide, but maynot necessary provide the ability to delete portions of the selectedprogram.

As described herein, the present invention provides a digital recordingapparatus that advantageously enables users to create improved videorecordings and also conserves memory space of the recording apparatus.The invention may be implemented in software from using programminglanguages known to those skilled in the art. The steps for implementingthe method can be programming into CPU 24 and the associated elements ofapparatus 20. The various messages and on screen displays for promptingthe necessary user response may be stored and/or generated by GUIgenerate 23.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. For example, it is clear that the principles of thisinvention is applicable to recording devices that utilize differentrecording media, such as CD and DVD discs. Also, the signal source maycomprise multiple signal sources that can be selected by the user, forexample, an RF signal, a satellite signal, a signal from a device suchas a camcorder, or a combination of sources. As such, a single recordingmay be generated from signals from a plurality of sources, for example,a first portion of the program may be received from a satellite signalwhile the second portion of the recorded program may be received from acamcorder connected to the apparatus. Further, this application isintended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as comewithin known or customary practice in the art to which this inventionpertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

1. A method for controlling a recording operation in a digital videorecording apparatus, comprising the steps of: detecting a first userinput during the recording operation, the first user input representinga command to stop the recording operation; enabling display of a firstpredetermined message responsive to the first user input; receiving asecond user input representing a response to the first predeterminedmessage; and controlling the recording operation to generate a signalprogram recording in response to the second user input, and generating asingle program listing for the single program recording.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the second user input represents a command tocontinue recording.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second userinput represents a command confirming the first user input to stoprecording.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second user inputrepresents a command to temporarily stop recording.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising the step of enabling display of a secondpredetermined message responsive to the command to temporarily stoprecording.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the step ofreceiving a third user input responsive to the second predeterminedmessage, wherein the third user input represents a command to continuerecording.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein video content recordedprior to the first user input and video content recorded after the thirduser input are formed as a single recording.
 8. The method of claim 6,wherein the recording operation is not performed during an intervalbetween the receipt of the second user input and the receipt of thethird user input.
 9. A digital video recording apparatus, comprising:memory means for storing digital video data during a recordingoperation; processing means for detecting a first user input during therecording operation, the first user input representing a command to stopthe recording operation; GUI generating means for enabling display of afirst predetermined message responsive to the first user input; andwherein the processing means further receives a second user inputrepresenting a response to the first predetermined message, and controlsthe recording operation to generate a single program recording and togenerate a single program listing for the single program recording inresponse to the second user input.
 10. The digital video recordingapparatus of claim 9, wherein the second user input represents a commandto continue recording.
 11. The digital video recording apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the second user input represents a command confirmingthe first user input to completely stop recording.
 12. The digital videorecording apparatus of claim 9, wherein the second user input representsa command to temporarily stop recording.
 13. The digital video recordingapparatus of claim 12, wherein the GUI generating means further enablesdisplay of a second predetermined message responsive to the second userinput.
 14. The digital video recording apparatus of claim 13, whereinthe processing means further receives a third user input responsive tothe second predetermined message, wherein the third user inputrepresents a command to continue recording.
 15. The digital videorecording apparatus of claim 14, wherein the processing means furthercauses video content recorded prior to the first user input and videocontent recorded after the third user input to be formed as a singlerecording.
 16. The digital video recording apparatus of claim 14,wherein the memory means does not store digital video data during aninterval between the receipt of the second user input and the receipt ofthe third user input.
 17. A digital video recording apparatus,comprising: a memory operative to store digital video data during arecording operation; a processor operative to detect a first user inputduring the recording operation, the first user input representing acommand to stop the recording operation; a GUI generator operative toenable display of a first predetermined message responsive to the firstuser input; and wherein the processor is further operative to receive asecond user input representing a response to the first predeterminedmessage, and control the recording operation to generate a singleprogram recording and a single program listing for the single program inresponse to the second user input.
 18. The digital video recordingapparatus of claim 17, wherein the second user input represents acommand to continue recording.
 19. The digital video recording apparatusof claim 17, wherein the second user input represents a commandconfirming the first user input to stop recording.
 20. The digital videorecording apparatus of claim 17, wherein the second user inputrepresents a command to temporarily stop recording.
 21. The digitalvideo recording apparatus of claim 20, wherein the GUI generator isfurther operative to enable display of a second predetermined messageresponsive to the second user input.
 22. The digital video recordingapparatus of claim 21, wherein the processor is further operative toreceive a third user input responsive to the second predeterminedmessage, wherein the third user input represents a command to continuerecording.
 23. The digital video recording apparatus of claim 22,wherein the processor is further operative to cause video contentrecorded prior to the first user input and video content recorded afterthe third user input to be formed as a single recording.
 24. The digitalvideo recording apparatus of claim 22, wherein the memory is operativeto not store digital video data during an interval between the receiptof the second user input and the receipt of the third user input.